Exploring Scotland & Ireland

Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour, or by foot - it's your choice! Learn the secrets of making Scotch whisky and enjoy a tasting. Cruise famed Loch Ness and explore the haunting ruins of Urqhart Castle. Walk on the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Titanic Experience Museum in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Tour intriguing Glenveagh Castle and its surrounding National Park in Donegal, a natural wonderland. Soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world's most breathtaking rail journeys. Delve into the history of Irish emigration at the Ulster American Folk Park. Close your tour with two nights in Dublin, Ireland's bustling capital, and head home after an evening of traditional Irish song and dance.

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Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins: Your tour opens in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Tonight, experience how traditional Scottish ingredients are getting a modern twist during a welcome dinner at one of the city's popular restaurants.

Edinburgh: Today it's your choice! You may choose to get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic tour; explore both Old Town and New Town before visiting the Palace at Holyroodhouse,* the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary Queen of Scots. Or, for a different perspective, perhaps you'll join a local expert for an in-depth walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town; meander the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways before descending into the city's underground vaults to uncover a world unchanged since the 18th century.

Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Eastern Highlands: Travel to St. Andrews - the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf - to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. Discover its old-world appeal as you explore this popular resort town on your own. Enjoy a privately guided tour at one of Scotland's renowned whisky distilleries and taste for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world's finest.

Day 5

Grantown-on-Spey

Eastern Highlands - Loch Ness - Ballachulish: This morning, explore Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands.' Take a scenic cruise on Loch Ness before disembarking at the base of famed Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of this historic stronghold where acts of chivalry and defiance exhibit more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Continue south through Scotland's stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel on the banks of Loch Linnhe.

Day 6

Ballachulish

Ballachulish - Glasgow: Begin your day with a breathtaking drive in the heart of Scotland as you pass through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. Arrive in the Victorian metropolis of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Take in the sights with a local expert before enjoying an evening at leisure in this bustling city.

Glasgow - Ferry Crossing - Belfast, Northern Ireland: Enjoy a morning at leisure before you travel along the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the famed Irish Sea as we head for Northern Ireland's capital city of Belfast. Upon arrival, settle into your city center hotel for a 2-night stay.

Belfast: Enjoy a privately guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city. Learn about the struggles in this great city's history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. See 'Samson' and 'Goliath,' the massive cranes of the Belfast shipyard. Complete today's tour with a visit to the award-winning Titanic Experience museum. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the many attractions that this dynamic capital offers. This evening, delight in dinner at a local restaurant.

Belfast - Glens of Antrim - Giant's Causeway - Derry: Venture along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route, stopping at the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Then, embark on one of the world's most beautiful railway journeys along the Causeway Coast.** Soak up the incredible scenery before arriving in the walled city of Derry. Set out on a walking tour featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. This evening it's Diner's Choiceâ?¦tonight's dinner is included and you'll choose the perfect spot from a 'menu' of Derry's great restaurants.

Day 10

Derry

Derry - County Donegal - Glenveagh National Park - Derry: Today's journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Visit spectacular Glenveagh National Park, a natural wonderland with 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes and woodland. Enjoy a guided visit to stately Glenveagh Castle, set amidst the colorful splendor of one of the finest gardens in Ireland. Return to Derry with time to explore the town on your own and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 11

Derry

Derry - Ulster American Folk Park - Dublin, Republic of Ireland: Travel to the Ulster American Folk Park where you will find collected buildings and artifacts from generations past. As you walk through the museum, learn how the Irish used to live and about the tragic and triumphant experiences that awaited them in America after emigration. Pass through the scenic countryside and cross into the Republic of Ireland. We end our day in the 'Fair City' of Dublin.

Dublin: A locally guided tour of Dublin highlights the world-renowned St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city's magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. Spend the rest of your day at leisure as you delve further into Dublin's cultural treasures. This evening, toast the end of an incredible adventure with an evening of traditional Irish music and dance, lore and legend!

* NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.